What is the purpose of an FDC in fire safety?

The purpose of a Fire Department Connection (FDC) is to provide an external point where firefighters can connect their hoses to supply additional water to a building’s standpipe or sprinkler system during a fire emergency. This is crucial for effectively managing fire suppression efforts in high-rise buildings or structures where internal water supply may be inadequate or slow to address the fire at hand.

By allowing firefighters to quickly tap into the municipal water supply or other water sources, the FDC helps enhance the firefighting capabilities on-site. It is typically marked by a sign indicating its location and is positioned in a way that ensures easy access for fire department personnel. The presence of an FDC can significantly improve the firefighting operation and the overall safety of both occupants and responders in the event of a fire.

In contrast, the other options refer to functions or terms that do not align with the operational requirements and functions of a connection designed specifically for fire department use during emergencies.